Intel announced Pat Gelsinger’s retirement on December 2, 2024, and said he had left the company and stepped down from its board effective December 1. Intel did not give a specific reason for his retirement. David Zinsner and Michelle (MJ) Johnston Holthaus took over as interim co-CEOs; Lip-Bu Tan became CEO effective March 18, 2025.
When did Pat Gelsinger leave Intel?
Intel announced Gelsinger’s retirement on December 2, 2024. The company said his departure and resignation from its board were effective December 1, 2024. Intel described his tenure as a “40-plus-year career.” Intel’s announcement did not state a specific reason for his retirement.
Gelsinger said, “Leading Intel has been the honor of my lifetime – this group of people is among the best and the brightest in the business, and I’m honored to call each and every one a colleague.” Intel board chair Frank Yeary thanked him for his service, saying, “On behalf of the board, I want to thank Pat for his many years of service and dedication to Intel across a long career in technology leadership.”
Who led Intel after Gelsinger?
Interim leadership
Upon Gelsinger’s departure, Intel named CFO David Zinsner and Michelle (MJ) Johnston Holthaus interim co-CEOs while the board searched for a permanent CEO. Yeary became interim executive chair. Holthaus also took the role of CEO of Intel Products. Intel said the leadership structure for Intel Foundry remained unchanged.
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Permanent CEO
Intel appointed Lip-Bu Tan CEO effective March 18, 2025, succeeding the interim co-CEOs. Zinsner remained CFO, and Holthaus remained CEO of Intel Products. In a June 18, 2026 announcement, Intel still identified Tan as CEO; that is the latest dated company statement cited here, not a guarantee against subsequent changes.
Sources: Intel’s December 2, 2024 retirement announcement; Intel’s March 12, 2025 appointment announcement; Intel’s June 18, 2026 leadership announcement.
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